The Council reached an agreement on a general approach on two of the three regulation proposals of the common fisheries policy (CFP) reform "package":
- this proposal for a regulation on the CFP replacing the basic provisions of the CFP;
- proposal for a regulation on the common organisation of the markets (CMO) in fishery and aquaculture products, focussing on market policy issues.
In addition, the Council took note of the Presidency's progress report on a proposal for a regulation on the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) replacing the existing European Fisheries Fund.
This general approach represents the Council's direction towards first reading pending the first reading position of the European Parliament.
With regard to the basic regulation on the CFP, the compromise supported by a large majority of delegations, but not by all of them, developed concrete text amendments for several outstanding issues.
Maximum sustainable yields (MSY): the compromise aims to achieve MSY by 2015 where possible (e.g when scientific advice on the stocks are available at the necessary detail) and by 2020 at the latest. Consultation with the third countries concerned will be initiated in case where the stocks are shared, with a view to finding an agreement on MSY exploitation if possible.
Multiannual plans: the compromise establishes that multiannual plans should manage fisheries in more detail through quantifiable targets linked to biological parameters as well as safeguard and remedies. It applies the MSY to the significant stocks in mixed fisheries while specific measures apply to other stocks with an approach taking into account interactions between stocks.
Landing obligation and discards ban: a gradual approach of the policy is proposed but the aim is still the elimination of discards. With regard to the landing obligation in identified fisheries a specification through multiannual plans within a fixed timeframe is laid down.
Regionalisation: this concept is supported by a vast majority of member states as it accepts that one size does not fit all. The compromise also introduces an alternative model for regionalisation where member states adopt national measures through regional cooperation.
Advisory councils: the compromise envisages the creation of additional advisory councils namely one for the Black Sea and one for outermost regions of the EU.
Transferable fishing concessions (TFCs) and capacity management: as requested by many delegations, the agreement stipulates that TFC systems should be voluntary.
Exemptions to fleet management rules is possible where TFCs are established, and access to funds from the EMFF is strictly conditioned by follow-up on a reinforced reporting on capacity management.
The following topics have to be further scrutinised after the general approach, namely: (i) recitals and definitions; (ii) the choice and formulation of Commission powers to adopt delegated acts or implementing acts (alignment of the text on the Lisbon Treaty).